Tamworth 1–1 Hartlepool United — Enterprise National League — Sat 07 Feb 2026

Tamworth FC were back in Enterprise National League action on Saturday afternoon as Andy Peaks’ side welcomed Hartlepool United to The Lamb, just days after their Birmingham Senior Cup win over Alvechurch.

The week also brought fresh faces to the squad. Loan signing Michael Reindorf arrived from Cardiff City for the cup tie, while Daniel Isichei and Ryan Howley joined ahead of the weekend from Birmingham City and Bristol Rovers respectively. With showers sweeping across Tamworth, Hartlepool kicked off with the Lambs attacking the Meadow Street end in the first half.

Tamworth had the first real sight of goal on four minutes when Charman was slipped through down the left channel, but he could only find the side-netting beyond Singh. Holohan then carried the ball to the edge of the area on 11 before dragging a low effort wide.

A tidy move involving Reindorf and Tonks earned the hosts an early corner, Mols rising for the dropping cross but seeing it headed away. Hartlepool briefly threatened on the counter, Campbell looking to get in down the right before being halted by the flag, while at the other end Hayes punched away another corner as Cullinane-Liburd couldn’t turn to shoot in the crowded area.

Sinclair’s 25-yard attempt struck Cullinane-Liburd on 23, and when Charman and Holohan combined a minute later, Fairlamb did well to block the cross and concede only a corner. Tamworth then enjoyed a spell of pressure, Tonks’ long throw on 26 dropping into the danger area where Digie narrowly missed his header under pressure from Hayes.

The visitors remained a threat through Campbell, but their wide service was dealt with, and Hayes was forced into his sharpest work on 29 as Mols burst onto a through ball on the right of the box and drilled a low shot that the goalkeeper smothered at the near post.

Chances were scarce as the half wore on. Singh was quick off his line to intercept Sinclair’s low ball intended for Sheron on 36, and Creaney’s flicked effort from a Maher delivery on 40 drifted wide. The closing minutes saw Tamworth appeal for a penalty when Creaney went down under pressure from John, but the referee waved play on. In added time Creaney met Singh’s free-kick, Hayes pushing the header away for a corner, and that proved the last action before the break.

HT: 0-0

Tamworth started the second half positively, and Reindorf forced Hayes into a parry on 48 after Kurtaran’s set-up, the Cardiff City loanee driving low towards the bottom corner. Hartlepool were then forced into a change on 52 as Parkes couldn’t continue and Reid replaced him.

The key moment arrived on 58 minutes. Tamworth were awarded a penalty for handball in the area and Mols converted, but the decision was overturned, the goal chalked off and Mols booked. Hartlepool immediately punished the hosts, Charman working the ball down the left before finding Campbell, who rifled a finish into the bottom corner to put the visitors ahead.

Tamworth responded in style. Three minutes later Maher’s centre was met by Mols from close range, the midfielder firing past Hayes with power to level the scores at 1–1.

The Lambs pushed for a winner. Creaney came close on 67 as a half-clearance fell awkwardly for Maher and Reindorf before Hartlepool scrambled the danger away. Corners followed at both ends — Maher winning one on 72 that drifted across the face of goal, while Miley’s introduction led to a Hartlepool corner on 78, McNally meeting it at the far post but sending his header over.

Hartlepool had a late chance when John met a deep cross on 84 but couldn’t keep his first-time effort down. Tamworth made changes in the closing stages and nearly snatched it in added time, Forbes’ corner met by Creaney whose powerful header flashed just wide of the near post.

There was still time for one final push as the rain continued to fall. Singh saved low from Charman late on, and Kurtaran’s last-gasp free-kick from the left channel was blocked and cleared before the whistle confirmed a point apiece.

FT: Tamworth 1–1 Hartlepool United

Teams

Tamworth: Singh, Tonks (Howley 88), Digie, Fairlamb, Rye, Mols (Forbes 89), Cullinane-Liburd, Maher (Acquaye 75), Creaney, Kurtaran, Reindorf (Ponticelli 88)
Subs: Cockerill-Mollett, Hollis, Bates
YC: Mols 55, Rye 62

Hartlepool United: Hayes, John, Parkes (Reid 52), Kougun, McNally, Holohan, Campbell, Charman, Sheron, Hunter, Sinclair (Miley 70)
Subs: Ferguson, Johnson, Folarin, Brown, Smith
YC: Sinclair 45

Referee: Mr. Matthew McQuillan
Assistants: Mr. David Nicholson, Mr. Adam Wilson
Fourth Official: Mr. Robert Evans

Attendance: 1,008 (249 Hartlepool)
Man of the Match (J Clarke Transport): Stefan Mols

Photography: Jay Soundo 

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